The 2026 NFL Draft saw the Tennessee Volunteers contribute five prospects to the league, a mix that balanced hard‑hitting defense with a single offensive standout.
Draft Night Highlights
Four of the selections were defensive players, underscoring the unit’s depth, while the lone offensive pick rounded out the Volunteers’ representation.
Although the minicamp jersey numbers have been announced, they remain provisional, as teams may reshuffle assignments before the regular season kicks off.
Rookie Season Spotlight
Colton Hood, formerly No. 8 at UT, will don No. 12 with the New York Giants, while Chris Brazzell transitions to No. 19 for the Carolina Panthers after wearing No. 17 in college. Jermod McCoy is set to sport No. 28 with the Las Vegas Raiders, having previously worn No. 3, and Joshua Josephs will wear No. 48 for the Washington Commanders, a shift from his college No. 19. Tyre West rounds out the group with No. 52 for the Detroit Lions, moving from No. 42.
The upcoming NFL schedule release will illuminate the rookies’ first‑year slate, spotlighting marquee matchups such as the Giants’ Sunday Night Football debut against the Dallas Cowboys.
Josephs and West are slated for international appearances, with the Commanders heading to London in Week 4 and the Lions traveling to Germany for Week 10.
Adding a narrative twist, Josephs will return to his home state when the Tennessee Titans host the Commanders, giving Volunteers fans a chance to see their former player back on Tennessee soil.